Red Sox: Sox look to burn up Bronx

Tuesday

Aug 28, 2007 at 12:01 AMAug 28, 2007 at 7:22 AM

NEW YORK - It has been 12 years since the geniuses of baseball have been called upon to assign a "magic number" to the Red Sox' run at the American League East crown. But if the next three games in the Bronx go the way of the Sox, that's exactly what will start to percolate within the computers of eager pennant race participants everywhere.

Rob Bradford/Boston Herald

It has been 12 years since the geniuses of baseball have been called upon to assign a "magic number" to the Red Sox' run at the American League East crown.

But if the next three games in the Bronx go the way of the Sox, that's exactly what will start to percolate within the computers of eager pennant race participants everywhere.

For the first time since 1995, the Red Sox might not have to play the role of the wild card team when playoff time comes calling. After eight straight seasons of pinning "NY" at the top of the AL East standings, this series with the Yankees might just determine if there will be a new king of the hill.

"It would mean a lot to the franchise," said Red Sox principal owner John Henry in an e-mail, regarding winning the division. "We seem to lead the division year after year, but inevitably we have fallen short year after year. Even prior to our tenure (as owners).

"The important thing is to qualify for the postseason. We failed last year and did everything we could during the offseason to turn things around. The farm system is producing, but you have to give a lot of credit to our (ownership) partners who encouraged us to make the acquisitions we did."

Although the company line might suggest making the playoffs is the priority - which it is - there is an undeniable sense throughout the organization that there is a chance for great achievement. And, admit it or not, most in the Red Sox clubhouse understand taking the three-game set against the Yankees will go a long way toward reaching that goal.

Winning the World Series always is the priority, but a clear-cut second is edging out New York for that AL East banner.

"That's what we're playing for," Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said. "There's no question about that. Knowing where we're headed, and the situation we're in, it's a big series. We've never had a letdown. Everybody says we look past a series, but we've never done that. It's starting to play itself out now."

On this date in 1995, the last season the Red Sox claimed the AL East, there was no doubting the outcome even with more than a month to go; the Sox were carrying an insurmountable 16-game lead on both the Yankees and Orioles.

But since then there has been plenty of unfulfilled hopes and dreams regarding the Red Sox run at the division. Two years ago, the Sox claimed a 1 1/2-game lead on the Yankees on Aug. 28.

On the same date in '04, the shoe was on the other foot, with the Red Sox hoping for the best while trailing the Yanks by 5 1/2 games. It was the same story in '03, with the Sox trailing New York by 4 1/2.

In fact, five times since 2000 the Red Sox have been within at least 5 1/2 games of the first-place Yankees on Aug. 28.

That's why, because of their current lot in life, the Sox have the satisfaction of at least partially clearing one hurdle. Now comes the finish line.

"If you can guarantee winning the division gets you to the World Series, I want to win the division," Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell said. "But I want to be the team that gets to the playoffs and gets hot."

********

David Ortiz and Lowell were named co-American League Players of the Week yesterday.

Lowell hit .500 with a home run and 11 RBI. Ortiz batted .478 with three homers. ...

Left-hander Jon Lester allowed one run and struck out four in six innings last night in his start for Double-A Portland, which he was optioned to on Thursday. Lester gave up five hits and walked four against the Trenton Thunder. He threw 96 pitches.

Lester will pitch for the Red Sox on Sunday against visiting Baltimore. ...

The Red Sox announced four players who will be participating for the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League: infielder Jed Lowrie, pitcher Kyle Jackson, pitcher Hunter Jones and first baseman Aaron Bates.

Three more participants will be added at a later date.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.